Developmental Biology with a Modern Language
Entry requirements
A level
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive. We require Grades AAA-ABB. Your subjects should include two of the Hard Sciences - Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths. If any of your science A-levels include a separate practical component, you must also achieve a Pass in this component. You must have a Grade A in one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths. If your Grades are AAB or higher, we will accept a Grade A in Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or PE in place of one of the Hard Sciences. Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels e.g. Further Maths is not considered alongside Maths and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology. General Studies is welcomed, but is not normally included as part of the offer. Your offer will be based on the above criteria as well as your predicted grades and past performance. Language Entry Requirements In addition to the above, each language has specific entry requirements. French: an A-level in French (Grade B) or equivalent is required. German: an A-level in German (Grade B) or equivalent is required. Spanish: an A-level in Spanish (Grade B) or equivalent is required. Italian: an A-level in Italian (Grade B) or equivalent is required. Japanese: no prior knowledge of Japanese is assumed, but evidence of linguistic proficiency is required, e.g. GCSE Grade A/7 in a foreign language. Chemistry AS-level (Grade B) is essential. If you do not have AS-level Chemistry, we would require a full A-level in Chemistry (normally Grade B). Mandarin: no prior knowledge of Mandarin is assumed, but evidence of linguistic proficiency is required, e.g. GCSE Grade A/7 in a foreign language. Chemistry AS-level Grade B is essential. If you do not have AS-level Chemistry, we would require a full A-level in Chemistry (normally Grade B). Typical Contextual Offer: AAB-ABC (including specific subjects).
AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
Access to HE Diploma
Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances. In general, we require 60 credits overall, with 45 at level 3. The level 3 units must be made up of 15 credits in Biology with a Distinction grade, 15 credits in Chemistry with a Distinction grade and a further 15 credits with Distinction. We will also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Maths. We also have specific entry requirements for each language. Please contact us for further information.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken. We require D3,D3,D3 to D3,M1,M1 in the Cambridge Pre-U, including Chemistry and one other science subject. You must have a D3 in one of the science subjects. For French, Spanish, Italian and German, you must achieve M1 in your chosen language. Applicants with an acceptable qualification in a foreign language can also be considered for Mandarin and Japanese. The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language. Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact [email protected] for clarification.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
36-33 points overall with 6, 6, 6 to 6, 5, 5 at higher level including two sciences, normally Biology and Chemistry. For degrees with French, German, Spanish or Italian, 5 or 6 points in the language must be achieved at Higher Level. For degrees with Mandarin or Japanese, 5 points is required in a foreign language at Standard Level. A minimum of 5 points in Chemistry at Standard Level (or higher level) is essential.
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with Grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required). Language Entry Requirements In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of Grade B in the relevant language A-level or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require Grade A/7 in a GCSE foreign language and Chemistry A-level. For further details, please contact [email protected]
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with Grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required). Language Entry Requirements In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of Grade B in the relevant language A-level or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require Grade A/7 in a GCSE foreign language and Chemistry A-level. For further details, please contact [email protected]
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with Grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required). Language Entry Requirements In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of Grade B in the relevant language A-level or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require Grade A/7 in a GCSE foreign language and Chemistry A-level. For further details, please contact [email protected]
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with Grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required). Language Entry Requirements In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of Grade B in the relevant language A-level or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require Grade A/7 in a GCSE foreign language and Chemistry A-level. For further details, please contact [email protected]
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with Grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including Grade A in a science subject and a minimum of Grade B in any other subject. Language Entry Requirements In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language A-level or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require Grade A/7 in a GCSE foreign language and Chemistry A-level. For further details, please contact [email protected]
We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with Grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required). Language Entry Requirements In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language A-level or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require Grade A/7 in a GCSE foreign language and Chemistry A-level. For further details, please contact [email protected]
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with Grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one science A-level with Grade A. Language Entry Requirements In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language A-level or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require Grade A/7 in a GCSE foreign language and Chemistry A-level. For further details, please contact [email protected]
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with Grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required). Language Entry Requirements In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language A-level or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require Grade A/7 in a GCSE foreign language and Chemistry A-level. For further details, please contact [email protected]ester.ac.uk.
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with grades AAB-BBB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or two Advanced Highers with Grades AA-BB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with Grades AA-BB In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language Scottish Advanced Highers or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require Grade A in National 5/Grade A in Intermediate 2/Grade 1 in Standard Grade Credit level in a foreign language and Scottish Highers Chemistry. For further details, please contact [email protected] Students with Highers only with Grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 Grade C/Intermediate 2 Grade C/Standard Grade Credit level Grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact [email protected]
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with grades AAB-BBB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or two Advanced Highers with Grades AA-BB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with Grades AA-BB In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of grade B in the relevant language Scottish Advanced Highers or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require Grade A in National 5/Grade A in Intermediate 2/Grade 1 in Standard Grade Credit level in a foreign language and Scottish Highers Chemistry. For further details, please contact [email protected] Students with Highers only with Grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 Grade C/Intermediate 2 Grade C/Standard Grade Credit level Grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact [email protected]
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider it when it is taken with two science A-levels. The minimum grades required will normally be the same as the A-levels. In addition to the above, due to the additional language requirement for this course, you will also need a minimum of Grade B in the relevant language A-level or an acceptable equivalent language qualification. The only exceptions are Mandarin and Japanese for which we require Grade A/7 in a GCSE foreign language and Chemistry A-level. For further details, please contact [email protected]
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
You may also need to…
Attend an interview
About this course
Our BSc Developmental Biology with a Modern Language course will enable you to develop your language skills while learning how the single cell formed at fertilisation forms an embryo and then a fully formed adult organism.
Developmental biology is a multidisciplinary field that integrates genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, anatomy, physiology and computer modelling.
You will learn how developmental biology is having a significant impact on our understanding of evolution and modern medicine, including the treatment of birth defects, infertility and cancer in humans, focusing on stem cells in particular.
We offer French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin for the language component of the course, which includes a year abroad on a research placement.
Our course has Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology , which recognises academic excellence in the biosciences and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.
Extra funding
A small number of scholarships may be available to overseas applicants. Details will be made available once confirmed.
The Uni
University of Manchester
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Zoology
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
Others in language and area studies
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Zoology
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
Unsurprisingly, the most common job for a zoology graduate on leaving is to work in a zoo or similar organisation - but there are a lot of other options available if you take this subject. Nearly a quarter of graduates take some kind of further qualification when they leave — mostly Masters degrees in zoology or related subjects, like biology or ecology — but a graduate from a zoology course can go into pretty much anything, with science, conservation, management, finance and marketing some of the most popular areas. Zoology graduates are also rather more likely than others to get a job overseas so if an international career appeals to you, this might be a degree to consider.
Languages and area studies
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
This is a broad subject for a variety of European languages. No matter which you take, the general theme is that some graduates go to that country to work, often as English language teachers, some go into further study, often to train as teachers or translators, but most get jobs in the UK in education - most often as language tutors, unsurprisingly, or translators. Modern language grads can also be in demand in business roles where communication and language skills are particularly useful, such as marketing and PR, and in finance or law. But remember — whilst employers say they rate graduates who have graduates who have more than one language, you need to have them as part of a whole package of good skills.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Biosciences
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£20k
£25k
£30k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
Languages and area studies
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£20k
£26k
£28k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
Explore these similar courses...




This is what the university has told Ucas about the criteria they expect applicants to satisfy; some may be compulsory, others may be preferable.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
This is the percentage of applicants to this course who received an offer last year, through Ucas.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
Course location and department:
This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):
We've received this information from the Department for Education, via Ucas. This is how the university as a whole has been rated for its quality of teaching: gold silver or bronze. Note, not all universities have taken part in the TEF.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).
This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
Post-six month graduation stats:
This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.
It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
Graduate field commentary:
The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
Have a question about this info? Learn more here